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Authorised a.nd published by Victoria Police

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www.police.vic.gov.au

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All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval s~1stem or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of the State of Victoria (through Victoria Police).

2 Policing Alcohol Harm in Victoria 2014-2024

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Contents

Foreword 4

1.Rationale 5

2.Vision 6

3.Purpose 6

4.Policy context 7

5.Priority areas 9

6.0utcomes 11

7. Governance and performance 11

8.Principles of practice and public value 11

References 12

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Foreword

Victoria Police is setting a clear vision for reducing alcohol rel<1ted harm in our community. This position statement outlines that vision, and is supported by a strategic plan that sets clear actions for the organisation.

Our position statement draws from and builds on the wealth of experience Victoria Police has in responding to, and preventing alcohol related harm. This aligns with the directions set in the Blue Paper: A vision for Victoria Police in 2025, allowing for a more coordinated, evidence-led and flexible approach that adapts to the changing patterns of alcohol consumption.

Our long term · ·ision recognises the comple;..:ity in responding to the issues of alcohol harm. Alcohol consumption is central to our social fabric; it forms part of our celebrations, commiferations and social occasions. As well as the social benefits of responsib:e alcohol consumption, the liquor industry con,ributes significantly to the Australian economy in terms of employment, revenue and hospitality.

Cultural change has been widely identified as the answer to reducing the le1.·els of alcohol related harm. and this will take time. In the interim, Victoria Police 1.·1ill work with our partners in health, justice, the not-for-profit sector. business and acac.iemia toll':ards a consolidated whole of government approach to promote the responsible, safe use of alcohol. These partnerships allow Victoria Police to focus on prevention and intervention programs in l:ey areas such as family violence, crimes against the person and poly-drug use, working towards our ultimate goal of a safer community.

This position statement and supporting strategy focus on three key priority areas: developing partnerships, building capacity and reducing harm. These priorities, and the actions that underpin them, are informed by evidence. We know that alcohol significantly contributes to road trauma, assaults and sexual assaults, family violence, property damage, child abuse, victimisation and public disorder.

4 Policing Alcohol Harm in Victoria 2014-2024

The costs associated with the misuse of alcohol are incredibly high and require significant police time and resources to respond. The continuing rise in alcohol related harm will create additional demands on police resourcing. With our key partners, and the broader Victorian community, new and flexible approaches to respond to the challenges of alcohol misuse are required.

Through all of this, Victoria Police will continue with a range of business-as-usual approaches in responding to alcohol harm in the community. This includes P.tfective policing of licensed premises. promotion of responsible service of alcohol and targeting alcohol fuelled violence and antisocial behaviour.

Deputy Commissioner Lucinda Nolan

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i . Rationale

More than 80 per cent of Victorian adults drink alcohol. It is a widely accepted part of Australian culture. generating positive impacts in the form of revenue. employment and social amenity.' However, the costs to

the Victorian community resulting from the misuse and abuse of alcohol are significant, with a recent report estimating the social costs at $4.3. billion per annum.U

Reducing the harms associated with alcohol use is a long-term proposition that will not be the sole responsibility of Victoria Police. Enforcing laws and changing regulation alone will not be effective. What is needed is a continued focus on challenging Australia's drinking culture and the entrenched attitudes that exist around alcohol consumption. This requires a concerted, sustained effort to be led not only by government but by health and community services, business and the broader community. Victoria Police's position statement aligns with the broader Victorian whole of government direction identified within Reducing the Alcohol and Drug Toll: Victoria's Plan 2013-2017(Reducing the Tollj. '''

There is significant evidence of the risks to the

individual from the misuse of alcoho:, including a number

of short ar)d lon9 term physical and psychological harms." The risks also extend beyond the individual to impact the broader community. These communi~1 and societal harms include road trauma, assaults, family violence, property damage, child abuse, victimisation and public safety issues.

Rates of alcohol related harm have increased significantly over the last 10 years, despite the level of alcohol consumption per capita remaining stable

since 1992. 1

Between 2001 and 2010:

> Alcohol related assaults increased by 49 per cent.

> The number of reported alcohol related family violence incidents has more than doubled.

> Alcohol related ambulance attendances in metropolitan Melbourne have more than tripled between 2000-2001 and 2010-2011 .

> Of all family violence incidents police attended in

2012-2013 alcohol has been assessed as likely to be imolved in almost half (46 per cent).~'

Alcohol is also a significant factor in road trauma.

Almost one in four drivers and motorcycle riders killej in the last five years had a blood alcohol content greeter than 0.05. 111 Intoxicated pedestrians also have an increased risk of injury and death.

While responding to the issue of alcohol misuse is not solely the domain of Victoria Police, alcohol is a thread that runs through most areas of police

work and consumes considerable police resources. Alcohol is in·:olved in approximately 60 per cent of all p0lice attendances.' ..

Excessi"e consumption of alcohol is a major cause of • physical and social harm. Victoria Police data indicates

the a11ailability of alcohol, either in concentrated entertainment precincts or the increased number of

packaged liquor outlets acts as a substantial driver of assault and related offences. Recent reseGrch has found a strong correlation between family '/ iolence rates and

the expanded availability of alcohol from packaged liquor outlets."

The practice of "pre-loading" (drinking alcohol prior to entering licensed premises) is also linked with increased levels of violence and as a major impediment to

responsible service of alcohol in licensed premises.'' Pre-loading is often motivated by the cheaper alcohol prices in packaged liquor outlets compared with licens~d premises.

Disproportionate levels of alcohol related harm are experienced by some groups within the community,

such as young people aged 10-24 years old. Rates of alcohol related hospital admissions and heavy drinking (more than 20 drinks on a single occasion) among

young people have increased considerably over the last 10 years."''

In addition to the impact on community safety and

amenity generated by alcohol misuse. Victoria Police has identified alcohol as a driver of crime, particularly related to recidivist offending. A recent Australian Institute of

Criminology study of police detainees found 30 per cent of them attributed their offending to alcohol, more than all other drugs combined.:·111

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2. Vision

To strive towards a safe, secure and orderly socie'iy free from alcohol related crime. violence and harm.

6 Policing Alcohol Harm in Victoria 2014-2024

3. Purpose

To articulate a policy framework for Victori& Police, which c.ims to coordinate the police response on issues of enforcement, harm reduction anci prevention.

The framework positions Victoria Police as a partner working with key stakeholders and the broader

community on a long-term strategic focus for reducing alcohol harm.

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4. Policy context

Together with the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation, Victoria Police has responsibility for law enforcement under the Uquor Control Reform Act 1998 and the Uquor Control Reform Reg11lations 2009. This legislation combined with the Road Safety Act 1986 and Summary Offences Act 1966 provides a legislative frameV1ork within which Victoria Police works to minimise alcohol related harm.

A community wide approach as art:culated in the Victorian whole of government strategy Reducing the Toll and the National Drug Strategy 2010--2015 is required to address the levels of harm alcohol misuse generates.

Across the community, there is a need to assess policies on alcohol availability from roany

different perspectives, including public safety, health, planning,

local government tourism, and .business regulation.

(ReduCtng the TolO

Alcohol abuse and misuse plays a role in many aspects of police

work,· as such, several other organisational sbategies viii contcdn

con 1plementary initiatives to the goals of this statement.

--- - ---···---.··-·-··-----·- .... ··---

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Priority areas for action

8 Policing Alcohol Harm in Victoria 2014-2024

Goal

> To establish Vic;toria Police as a partner 1n the broader policy environment

Goal

> Tei build organisational capability to understand and mancige the alcohol prc.,blem

Goal

::..- To reduce alcohol-related violence. anti-social beh,wir:iur, crime and road trauma

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5. Priority areas

Victoria Police will achieve this vision by developing

a range of actions under each of the following

priority areas:

Develop partnerships

Alcohol forms an intrinsic part of manv aspects of Australian

culture, so any successful attempt to minimise alcohol related harm

within our community will require a concerted and holistic approach in

partnership with all stakeholders.

Aim: To establish Victoria Police as a partner in the

broader policy environment

> Ensure a ·:,hole of organication ar.,proach is adopted in

the management of alcohol related harm.

:.- Position Victoria Police as an influential and acti,:e

participant with ke:/ stakeholders in combating alcohol related harm including: industry, the community, all levels

of government and non-government organisations.

> Develop standardised approaches to preventing and

responding to alcohol related harm.

Work with our partners and the community to enhP.nce community ownership of alcohol related harm

and to generate a healthy and safe culture around

alcohol consumption.

Build capability:

Through consolidation of our data sources and evidence base

Victoria Police will b8tter focus enforcement activities towards

areas generating the n7ost alcohol relatAd harrr7 in our community

Aim: To build organisational capabilit,' to understand an'J

manage the alcohol problem

> Improve Victoria Police data capture capacity around

alcohol related harm including the areas of family

violence. public safet'.' and pol:·-drug use.

> Develop information tharing protocols ·,:ith relevant agencies and organisations.

Build a strong e1:idence and intelligence base around

alcohol related offending, victimisation and prosecution

to inform enforcement responses and predict

emerging issues.

> Trial evidence-based approaches to develop the frontline response to alcohol related harm.

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Reduce harm:

--------·----

Researcf I consistently demonstrates that incr8ased

control over the supply of alcohol results in a reduction of the harms

caused. \lt'ctoria Police will support responsible a/r;ohol supply, while

targeting those neglecting their le(dslative responsibilities.

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Aim: To reduce alcohol related violence, anti-social behaviour, crime and road trauma

> Increase knowledge and application of e,dsting liquor licensing legislation across the organisation and identify areas for improvement.

> Develop research partnerships to identify vulnerabilities and opportunities for improvement in reducing alcohol harm, ba!:ed on international and national research.

> Adopt a standardised position on enforcement tactics, submissions for legiclafr,e reform an<i prevention activities by implementing targeted strategic approaches, that are driven by the organisation-\·1ide alcohol policy framework.

> Support development of harm minimisation strategies, developed in partnership v1ith other organisations and agencie£ targeting at-risk groups.

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6. Outcomes

Victoria Police will develop a consistent and concentrated

approach to ensure a safe, secure and orderly society, free from alcohol related crime, violence and harm.

v\'ith the successful implementation of this policy, and

the supporting strategic approach, Victoria Police v: ill

achieve the following long-term outcomes:

> A reduction in alcohol related harm in the

Victorian community.

> The alcohol frame-.-'!ork is adopted and there is evidence

of a standardised approach to reducing alcohol harm.

> The community set3 Victoria Police as an effective,

responsive organisation l;eeping the community safe.

Partner agencies and stakeholders have a clear

understanding of Victoria Police's role in reducing alcohol related harm.

> Intelligence and data capture capabilities underpin

activities and align ,..,ith research priorities.

~ Effecti"e responses are implemented that respond

to, and prevent alcohol related violence, crime, public

disorder and ro1:'d trauma.

> Effecti' ·e partnerships \··:ith stakeholdert are maintc>ined

and innovative solutions to pmvent alcohol fuelled violence are identified and adopted.

Best practice approaches are identified and inform

legislation reform, policy and procedures.

> Victoria Police has a strong workforce capability around

alcohol legislalion and enforcement, and is considered an influential leader in the development of holistic

approaches in reducing alcohol related harm.

7. Governance and performance

Actions identified under each of the three priority areas

will be implemented as part of a three-year strategic

planning cycle. Implementation will be overseen by a Victoria Police Internal Alcohol Working Group.

8. Principles of practice and public value

These activities will be supported by a commitment to the principles of public value:

>

Service delivery vlill be equitable and sustainable, and consistent v•ith evidence-based good practice.

Regulatory systems will be us6d as effectil.'e methods for reducing alcohol related harm.

Robust accountability, alignment with go·,emment polic;

and adherence to governance frameworks will guide

activity and monitor performance.

A commitment to strategic partnership:.;.

Policy Environment

Public Value

Operating Environment

Authority Environment

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References

,. Victorian Auditor-General. 2012, Effectiveness of justice strategies in preventing and reducing alcohol related harm. Victorian Auditor Generals Office website http://www.audit.vic.gov.au/report:;_and_ publications/ latest_reports/2011-12/20120620-alcohol.aspx (accessed 1/4/2014)

IL ibid

Victorian Government. 2013, Reducing the alcohol and drug toll: Victoria's Plan 2013-2017, Department of Health, Melbourne

1 ·. Gao, C .. Ogeil, R & Lloyd, B. 2014, Alcohol's Burden of Disease in Australia, FARE Australia and the Victorian Health Promotion Foundation, Melbourne.

Miller, Peter (A'Prof). 2013, PAtron Offending and Intoxication in Night-Time Entertainment Districts (POINTED). NDLERF Monograph Series No.46. National Drug Law Enforcement Research Fund. Canberra

12 Policing Alcohol Harm in Victoria 2014-2024

VI. Victorian Auditor-General 2012, Effectiveness of justice strategies in preventing and reduciny alcohol related harm. Victorian Auditor Generals 's Office website loc.cit

Yi. ibid

v111. Transport Accident Commission. 2014, Drink Driving Statistics https://www.tac.vlc.gov.au!road-safety/ statistics/summaries/drink-driving-statistics (accessed 1/412014}

w Australian National Council on Drugs. 2013, Alcohol Action Plan. Al:lstralian Nation1I Council on Drugs Website (accessed 5/4/2014) http://www.ancd.org .au/Im ages/PDF / Ge neralreports/ AlcoholAction Plan. pdf

,. Livingstone, M. 2011, A longitudinal analysis of alcohol outlet density and domestic violence. Addiction. pp 919-925

,.;. Miller, Peter (NProQ. 2013, Patron Offending and Intoxication in Night-Time Entertainment Districts (POINTED). NDLERF Monograph Series No.46. National Drug Law Enforcement Research Fund. Canberra

. .ii. Victorian Auditor-General. 2012, Effectiveness of justice strategies in preventing and reducing alcohol related harm. Victorian Auditor Generals 's OHice website. loc.cit

.,1,. Pa~1ne, Jason & Antonette Gaffney. 2012, How much crime is drug or alcohol related? Se/f-raported attributions of police detainees. Australian Institute of Criminology Trends and Issues in Crime and Criminal Justice No 439

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